A Message from Our Founders

Welcome to From Devastation To Restoration, Inc. (FD2R)

We built FD2R on a simple, non-negotiable belief: everyone deserves a safe, dignified place to call home while they rebuild their lives.

Our journey here wasn't planned in a boardroom—it was born out of decades on the ground and a deep, faith-rooted commitment to service. With over 27 years in real estate, working directly with distressed homeowners, navigating short sales, and assisting individuals facing sudden loss, we were repeatedly exposed to the brutal reality of housing insecurity. Time and again, we saw people hit unexpected crisis points only to discover that conventional transitional housing fell painfully short—leaving them with few options that offered real structure or human dignity.

Alongside our professional careers, our faith has always been the foundation of how we live and serve. Having served actively in ministry for years—with Gloria serving in prayer ministry and Marcus serving as a Praise and Worship leader—we learned how to listen deeply to people’s hearts, build environments of peace, and stand in intercession for those going through life's hardest battles. It was at this intersection of real estate expertise and ministry service that God made our calling clear: we weren't just meant to observe housing insecurity; we were called to help solve it.

With our collective backgrounds in real estate strategy, financial administration, and hands-on ministry, we realized we had the exact insights, spiritual foundation, and responsibility to step up and fill that gap. We created FD2R specifically to deliver high-quality, independent shared living spaces that provide safety, predictability, and true community for individuals taking their next step forward.

What truly sets our homes apart is Dignity by Design. Founder Gloria Simmons brings a natural gift for custom furniture artistry, interior transformation, and complete space design—stepping directly into hands-on home rehabilitation to personally design and transform our residential living spaces from top to bottom. Guided by a heart to restore what was broken, we ensure our homes are never just functional buildings, but beautiful, uplifting, and inspiring sanctuaries where residents feel genuinely valued, loved, and seen as they step into their next season.

Whether you are a case manager seeking a reliable placement partner, an agency collaborator, or a supporter who shares our vision, we welcome you to join us in bringing hope and restoration home.

Gloria J. Simmons

Founder, President & Executive Director

Marcus Simmons

Co-Founder, Vice President & Treasurer

Mark Ewart

Board Member & Real Estate Advisor

Mark Ewart is an accomplished Real Estate Professional, Investor, and property strategist with extensive expertise across Ohio’s residential market. With a proven track record in comprehensive home rehabilitations and managing dynamic short-term rental portfolios statewide, Mark brings valuable hands-on experience in asset transformation, property operations, and quality standards. On the Board of Directors for From Devastation To Restoration, Inc., Mark leverages his vast real estate knowledge to guide the expansion and enhancement of our shared housing facilities. His deep understanding of structural renovations, cost-effective property management, and hospitality-driven residential standards helps ensure that FD2R’s housing environments remain exceptionally safe, dignified, and sustainable for every resident we serve.